Podcast: Chemical Setbacks, Breakthroughs Reshape Industrial Landscape
Eastman Chemical faces setbacks as it appeals the Trump administration's cancellation of $1.2 billion in funding for its Texas plastic recycling facility, while seeking alternative locations for its methanolysis technology. International climate efforts stalled when UN plastics treaty negotiations in Geneva failed to reach an agreement among 2,600 participants from 183 countries over production limits and funding responsibilities. Safety concerns persist at Didion Milling, where federal investigators report unaddressed recommendations eight years after fatal 2017 explosions. On a positive note, researchers have developed a promising water-based electrochemical method for ammonia synthesis using palladium membranes, potentially replacing alcohol-based processes.
Eastman Delays $1.2B Texas Recycling Plant
The chemical company is appealing the Trump administration's funding cancellation and exploring alternative ways to scale its methanolysis recycling technology at other sites.
UN Plastics Treaty Negotiations End Without Deal Despite Final Push in Geneva
More than 2,600 participants from 183 countries could not agree on key issues including sustainable production and which nations should pay for treaty implementation.
CSB Says Didion Milling Has Not Implemented Safety Fixes After Fatal 2017 Explosions
Federal investigators warn that unresolved safety recommendations leave risks in place eight years after the deadly Wisconsin plant disaster.
Researchers Develop Water-based Electrochemical Method for Ammonia Synthesis
New approach uses a palladium membrane to transfer hydrogen from water, eliminating the need for alcohol-based sources.
